Loran Smith's blog

Today, 71 years ago, General Dwight Douglas Eisenhower was beginning the countdown for the Allied invasion of Normandy. He was spending long hours with his staff as they made plans to leave the shores of England for the coast of France on June 5, 1944.

AUGUSTA — It was a classic Masters, made so, in part, by a young Texan with class, manners, etiquette, a sense of place; a soft-spoken style and a boyish smile, all of which will make him a popular champion who will never have to worry about making his VISA card payments.

When we reflect on Christmas, we think of the emphasis on shopping and the many exciting things associated with the holiday season. Early on, such as days like we are experiencing now, you can look out your window and see the leaves falling.

You wouldn’t believe what happened last Saturday! You would have broken your chair if you had been with us when Georgia kept fighting back against LSU, one of the most physical teams ever to play between the hedges.

WESTLAKE, Tex. — The Herschel Walker you know is likely the one who won the Heisman Trophy, played 15 years of professional football, and pursued a number of competitions — from bobsledding to mixed martial arts.

Ever notice how much better dinner is when you are in a good mood? Setting and atmosphere affect how we enjoy any experience, but attitude may be the most influential of all when it comes to elevating our pleasure.

[On the Friday before he died] I called Furman Bisher from Ft. Myers, Fla., to tell him about the showcase Red Sox training facilities, which were officially christened in February. He was an eager listener.

NEW YORK – Verne Lundquist has been around, but the changing of landscapes — owing to the changing of addresses by his father, a Lutheran minister, and his work as a national network broadcaster — has not changed the likable announcer.

JOHNS CREEK — Eight months from now, the next major golf championship will take place — in the springtime at Augusta, which means we have a long winter to debate the health of the PGA tour and the future of the game as it relates to the status of Tiger Woods.